Page 51 of Sovereign

I clear my throat. “You should go after Diane.”

“Jesus Christ,” Westin mumbles. “You’re crazy.”

“You could do with taking a page out of my book and going after the things you want.”

He glances sideways at me. There’s a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I hope your past doesn’t fuck up your future, Sovereign.”

We’re both quiet the rest of the way home.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

KEIRA

Up in the bedroom closet, I find a stack of boxes and bags that weren’t there yesterday. My name is written on the side of each one in black marker. I drag everything out into the middle of his room and start unpacking it all.

It’s clothes, shoes, outerwear. And for some reason, a box that contains a beautiful leather bridle. My name is engraved into the underside of the browband. I run my fingers over it, hoping this isn’t some kink he has because this is definitely a real bridle.

Meant for a horse. Not a person.

I set it aside and go over the clothes. Somehow, he guessed my size exactly. Or maybe he measured my body in my sleep. I shiver as I pull on a Henley and a pair of jeans, turning to admire how they hug my ass. I’ve always had good curves and they’re finally getting appreciated. By both the jeans and Gerard.

I spin, watching my reflection in the bathroom mirror. For the first time in a while, I don’t look tired. My eyes glitter and my hair is soft and falls down my back. Loose over my shoulders instead of tied up to keep it from the greasy stove.

I remind myself that this is temporary. The contract will end or one of us will want out.

At least…that’s what I assume.

After some of the things he’s said and done, I’m starting to question his motives and his intent.

Maybe he didn’t mean for me to be just temporary fun.

But if that’s the case…then what does he have planned for me?

The thought leaves me cold like the frost that gathers on his bedroom windows. I shudder and collect the bags of the clothes and drag them downstairs to the laundry room off the kitchen. Maddie helps me wash and dry them, but she barely speaks except to ask if there’s anything I’d like added to the next grocery order.

I can’t tell if she’s just shy. Or she doesn’t trust me.

I am a Garrison after all.

Upstairs, I mull it over. The empty eyes of the bull skull watch me as I fold my clothes and put them in the empty drawers of his dresser. The coats and shirts, I hang up. The panties and bras, I can’t find a place for so I push his boxer briefs to one side and put them in the drawer together. There’s something exciting about sharing an underwear drawer with him.

It’s almost noon when I’m done. I leave the quiet bedroom and move down the hallway, turning the corner near the doorway of the game room at the far end. I’ve never been inside, but I know there’s a hot tub on the balcony because I’ve seen it from the yard.

Out of nowhere, a solid wall crashes into me and I yelp. A hand covers my mouth and I’m spun around. Blue eyes meet mine as he backs me against the wall. My chest heaves, my breasts brushing the front of his shirt. Sending tingles to the soles of my feet.

We both stand frozen, then he releases my mouth.

“Gerard,” I gasp. “You startled me.”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “Where are you going, little girl?”

The way he says those words gets me flustered. Little girl. It falls lazily from his mouth, but there’s an edge of softness that makes me want to lean in and beg for a kiss. He always tastes so good when he comes in from outside. Like winter and fresh air.

“Down to lunch.” My voice is a whisper.

His hand slides down my outer thigh and up the seam of my jeans. Heat curls in my lower belly.

“Down to lunch, sir,” he corrects. “Address me properly when we’re alone.”

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